Refused to serve a member of our party

I went last night for a work event. We had made a reservation for 8. We were seated, and everything looked like it was shaping up for a nice night. A 9th person arrived to join us. We were quickly informed that 9 people could not fit around one table because the plates wouldn't fit. We said we would make it work. The manager said that wasn't an option. She "offered" the empty table next to us for 2 of the people to sit at. We asked if we could move the table over. She said it "couldn't" be done. We said we would move the table. She said "no." Not trying to make a fuss, two of our party sat down at the other table. They sat as close as they could to us. The manager told them they couldn't sit there as it would impede the waitstaff's movement. One member of our group said he would leave. We didn't want anyone to leave, so we just made him fit. The manager said that wasn't acceptable. The only way she would let him stay was if he didn't eat. And so we had a three course meal with one member of the party not allowed to eat. The food was fine, as were our waiters, but at this price point, there are plenty of restaurants in NYC with manager that will actually work with you. I will never go back to Gordon Ramsey's. The owners would be well advised to fire this ridiculous manager.

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147 out of 268 people found this review helpful.

A bit disappointed

Having eaten in GR's restaurants in London, I was disappointed.
The decor and the location were excellent. My appetizer, Rabbit with Kidney was excellent - but the main course, Monkfish in consomme with root vegetables, was disappointing. The consomme was salty, and the monkfish was bland at best. Maybe I ordered poorly, but at $100 for 3 courses, there shouldn't be a poor choice on the menu. The cheese board for dessert was pedestrian. My dinner companions were thrilled with Cassoulet of Seafood and Salad of Rabbit Loin starters, and the Ginger Poached Lobster, Loin of Venison and Ballottine of Squab mains. They were unimpressed by the Ice cream pancake with Salted Caramel dessert.
The wine steward provided excellent guidance and excellent service. The waitress was also excellent. There were a few minor flaws in the service, where women were served after the gentlemen, but us ladies take no offense. The extras, including the chocolate course, were truly enjoyable.
I would return if someone else were paying!

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145 out of 298 people found this review helpful.

Simply the Best

As Brits we can't comment about other fine dining establishments in NY but on our recent visit we were blown away by the best food we've ever eaten and service which was attentive but unrushed.
Our only negative comment is that we found the "Bar at the London" where we had a pre dinner drink pretentious and over priced (dearer even than the View at the Marriott!)
On a general note we found the practice of not including sales tax in the quoted price annoying. This is a NY thing and I guess you get used to it but what's wrong with quoting the price you have to pay?

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242 out of 452 people found this review helpful.

I can see why he yells at everyone on TV

OK, so my fiance was cool enough to realize that since I watch Hells Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares, taking me to Gordon Ramsay at the London would be a good idea. I'm a fan of his attitude and have been very anxious to see if his menu warrants all of the pompous shouting he does. Well....yes...it does.
Before I praise the food, I have to say that I was quite disappointed with the ambiance and decor of the dining room. It was very open and quiet, overly lit, and not well decorated. The service however, was of the highest quality. We were waited on hand and foot by a courteous, if not, very large wait staff. The food was also excellent. The Tiger Prawn Ravioli was incredible. The rabbit was well prepared and about as good as I can ever hope to get if I eat rabbit. I did manage to swipe some of my fiances steak which was absolutely excellent. Overall, I would say that Gordon Ramsay at the London is a fine dining experience that captures the feel of the on screen persona.

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286 out of 546 people found this review helpful.

GIVE GORDON A BREAK

MY HUSBAND AND I DINED AT GORDON RAMSEY'S RESTAURANT AT THE LONDON. I THINK THE WRITERS AT THE NEW YORK TIMES NEED TO PERHAPS TAKE COOKING CLASSES, THE FOOD, DECOR AND CLEANLINESS WERE EXCEPTIONAL. WHAT'S RIGHT IS RIGHT GIVE THE MAN A BREAK. BOTTOM LINE HE IS A GEAT CHEF AND RUNS A WONDERFUL RESTAURANT.

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363 out of 683 people found this review helpful.

Yes to the F Word, Decor, Menu, but Bar Service needs some attention

Prior to booking at the dinning room - Gordon Ramsay at the London, we tried the Bar at the London, after we read about the common kitchens and chefs (see New Yorker piece). As others have noted we were pleasantly surprised with the excellent tapas style menu with its excellent execution. We ordered 10 small plates that we shared, and each one was outstanding. It is clear Ramsay and company are using the Bar menu to test compositions, (very much like Nougatine does a Jean Georges) as well as provide low priced teasers for customers. Our only problem was the waiter. The headwaiter, sommelier and the bus boys were great, but our waiter, and the nearby waiter were both poor.
We then celebrated a special occasion at the Restaurant. Everything was wonderful other than slightly over cooked fish main courses, typical of European preparation but not a Manhattan top restaurant execution. Service was great. The menu was exceptional. The Restaurant wine list, as at the Bar, is excellent but very high priced.
Overall both venues were just short of exceptional. Well worth the visit,

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462 out of 936 people found this review helpful.

Another Ramsey Triumph

Having experienced several of the Ramsey dining experiences in London I had high expectations of this new location, and happily was not disappointed. The staff were incredibly attentive, the decor was well thought out and the cuisine was of the normal Ramsey high standard. The fixed price tasting menu with the accompanying suggested wines was the choice of our party of 4 and the experience was well worth it - if a little highly priced. That was a small ripple though on an otherwise truly memorable experience. I note that other reviewers had reservations on various aspects of the presentation, but the overall view from this reviewer was very positive indeed.

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378 out of 827 people found this review helpful.

Dining in a Morgue

Excellent service. BUT BORING food, inflated prices and a distinct lack of "FUN" in the whole experience. Food is more imaginative at Jean Georges, and Ramsay seems to have forgotten WHY he has so many TV Shows!! It's all about the FOOD!! Make the punter HAPPY. Maybe a look at your own place will open your eyes, me ol' mucker!

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387 out of 836 people found this review helpful.

Disappointing

Given Chef Ramsay's lofty reputation, more was expected. The food was fine but not especially memorable and better can be had at numerous NYC eateries. The service was also somewhat clumsy. Finally, we went in 2nd week after opening and Chef Ramsay was already back in London. Not a good sign given the high stakes. The one high point was the excellent and creative desserts.

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332 out of 760 people found this review helpful.